THIS Sunday’s ONCE weekend draw brought some incredible holiday cheer to El Morche. A lucky winner in the coastal town is now set to receive a monthly ‘salary’ of €2,000 for the next 10 years, totalling a jaw-dropping €240,000.
Francisco Manuel Caralampio, an ONCE vendor since 2018, had the winning series in hand and sold the ticket through the Point of Sale system, allowing the customer to pick their own lucky number.
Selling tickets as a street vendor in El Morche, part of the Torrox municipality, Caralampio couldn’t be more thrilled. He proudly declared, “I’m super happy because one of my neighbours became my customer. I’m sure this will make their Christmas extra special!”
The ONCE draw on December 8 resulted in
two lucky winners in Sevilla being awarded €20,000 each. Every Saturday and Sunday, the ONCE Weekend Sale offers a five-figure main prize of €300,000, plus €5,000 per month for 20 consecutive years for a single coupon alongside similar winnings.
The ONCE Christmas Extra draw, which will be held on January 1, offers 80 prizes of €400,000, 80 of €40,000 and another 80 winners possibly taking home €20,000. There will also be a total of €51 million at stake.
ONCE lottery tickets can be purchased safely and securely from one of their 20,000 salespeople, online at www.juegos once.es or at authorised collaborating establishments.
Christmas toy collection
“Let’s put a smile on children’s faces in Valencia”
PLAYAS DE TORRE DEL MAR sports club is collecting toys and school supplies to brighten Christmas for kids hit by DANA floods.
Joining a Malaga-inspired effort, the club spreads holiday cheer to families in need. Let’s make this season special with a dash of kindness and festive generosity! Thanks to the amazing support from local businesses, community champions, and brotherhoods, the Great Toy Collection is in full swing across Malaga!
Credit:Shutterstock:Veja
Running until December 17, this heartwarming campaign will send
all donations to Valencia by December 20. Want to help bring
smiles to children’s faces this festive season? Drop off unused toys and school supplies at these collection points: Ópticas Perea and Trujillo Supermarkets in Torre del Mar, Lonja de Capuchinos Bookstore in Velez-Malaga, and MundoMando in Velez-Malaga. Let’s spread the joy! Playas de Torre del Mar encourages everyone to join in and reminds donors: toys must be unused.
Questions? Email: pla yadetorredelmar@gmail. com.
Nerja’s Christmas launch
“Balcony of Europe lights up Christmas”
NERJA has welcomed Christmas 2024 with the impressive lighting of the Balcón de Europa, the inauguration of the Nativity in the town hall and the the festive Christmas market in Plaza de España.
The town council could not have been happier as it launched Christmas ahead of more than 80 activities planned across Nerja and Maro to suit everyone.
At the Balcón de Europa, lights shimmered with angels adorning either side of the promenade. Local mayor, José Alberto Armijo and councillor for Popular Culture, Elena Gálvez, had the honour of pressing the big button as illuminations twinkled and a candlelight concert by violinist Klara Gomboc completed the evening.
The mayor did not hold back in expressing his joy, highlighting that Christmas in Nerja is synonymous with joy and tradition.
Happy Christmas to all!
Francisco Manuel Caralampio, an ONCE vendor is delighted that the winner of the draw is a resident of El Morche, Torrox.
Axarquía joins Malaga in collecting unused toys and school supplies for those affected by the DANA.
ALCAUCIN is raring to go with its festive favourites for Christmas 2024 including around 20 activities for all ages from the littlest to the oldest.
First up, the Santa Claus post box at Correos (post office) for little ones to post their wish lists! Let’s hope they’ve been good this year.
Credit:Facebook:@Ayuntamiento de Alcaucín
On Thursday December 12, welcome a special Christmas workshop and on Friday December 13, the Zambombá Flamenca will hit the Town Hall Square.
For all the little ones, there will be the much-awaited visit by Santa Claus to the local school on December 17, fo-
Alcaucin welcomes Christmas with the Christmas postbox for Santa wish lists.
llowed by several days of craft workshops, a Christmas movie and the visit of the Three Wise Men.
Sweet lovers can lick their lips with the Christmas Dessert Contest on Friday December 20 in the Town Hall Squa-
re, a day which also marks the opening of the Christmas village. On Saturday December 21, in the same place, at 7pm, get ready for the Living Nativity Scene and several days of walks, workshops and concerts.
Alcaucin will celebrate its New Year’s Eve party in the Town Hall Square with DJs, traditional grapes and an epic 2025 countdown. The festive period will come to a joyous end on January 6 with the traditional Three King’s Parade and sweets and surprises galore.
This and much much more.
See you in Alcaucin!
Johanna Gardener RINCON DE LA VICTORIA kicks off festive fun with an exciting local shopping campaign! Get ready for a magical holiday season as Rincon de la Victoria is packed with surprises to support local businesses!
Highlights include the ‘Gold Customer’ Draw, where you can win your share of €6,000 in prizes, the Window Display Contest, featuring six dazzling prizes totalling €2,100 and The Sound of Christmas, spreading festive cheer to Torre de Benagalbon and Añoreta! The festivities began with the grand Christmas lights switch-on and run through until January 8. Shop local, join the fun, and celebrate the magic of the season in your community!
Rincon de la Victoria’s Christmas shopping campaign to support local commerce.
Behind the initiative is the impetus to boost and promote local commerce, as explained by the mayor of Rincon de la Victoria, Francisco Salado (PP). The councillor for Commerce, Lola Ramos (PP) recalled how important it
was to make “our purchases and consuming in trusted local businesses. We have to bet on local commerce, because local commerce is what makes the town, giving life to our streets and being the engine of our economy.” She stressed that the town council continues to support local businesses and more so during the Christmas season. President of the ACERV (Association of Rincon de la Victoria Traders and Businesses), José Antonio Villodres, has already thanked “the support and participation of local shops and the town council for enabling this Christmas campaign.”
“Calls
for smartphones to carry warning labels”
JUST like alcohol, junk food and tobacco, smartphones should carry a health warning says the Spanish government amid concerns from doctors around screen time and new data revealing we spend 12 years of our lives in front of a screen.
Spain’s government purports that smartphones sold in Spain should come with a label, which alerts users and parents to their potential health impacts. This is included in the same report, which states that doctors should be more collaborative in combatting excessive smartphone use and its many associated new pseudo illnesses like Facebook addiction and other social media syndromes.
As Spain pushes for limits to children’s exposure to te chnology including social media, gambling and porn si tes, in line with other European countries, there is a call for minors to have limited access overall to digital devi ces until they are 13 years old. In fact, so utterly shocking have recent figures and analyses about screen time been, that it is now being considered a public health problem – a national pandemic. The government pushes to ban digital devices for children under three years of age and for children under six, this should be in small doses. For children between the ages of six years and 12, parents
Spain’s government calls for bans on digital devices and health warnings on smartphones
are encouraged to facilitate “dumb phones” stripped of internet access to allow for calls and messaging only.
The next move calls for warning labels of the health risks and for doctors to carry out regular check ups.
Hacienda clamps down
“Another blow to self-employed workers”
IN a move that’s left self-employed workers scratching their heads, the Spanish tax office, Hacienda, has dropped a bombshell: banks must now report every single payment made to self-employed clients, even those under the previous €3,000 threshold, according to a report from Spanish media outlet Cope.
The unexpected mea-
sure slipped quietly into a royal decree that also tweaks corporate tax rates for multinationals, which means the taxman will have eyes on transactions of any amount, whether through traditional methods or modern mobile systems like the popular Bizum.
For years, banks only raised the alarm for transactions over €3,000. As
José María Peláez, a spokesperson for the Sta-
te Inspectors Association, previously explained, withdrawing amounts under this limit typically didn’t require identification. “When you take out €2,000 or €2,500, no one asks questions. But take out €3,000, and they start filling out forms,” Peláez said.
Now, that €3,000 cushion has been binned - but only for the self-employed.
“This is a surprise measure,” said La Linterna host Ángel Expósito, who, alongside economic journalist Pilar García de la Granja, broke the news. “Banks will need to report all payments to the self-employed on a monthly basis, regardless of the amount.”
The announcement has left self-employed workers fuming, with many branding it another blow to an already strained group.
Leroy Merlin scam alert
Smartphone crackdown Festive fine surge
SCAMMERS are once again using Leroy Merlin’s name to trick people into sharing personal and banking information. Fake emails offering a ‘free Dexter toolset’ in exchange for completing a survey are circulating, but it’s all part of a phishing scheme to steal your details. The National Cybersecurity Institute of Spain (INCIBE) has identified this scam and is warning everyone to stay vigilant.
These phishing emails look convincing, featuring Leroy Merlin’s branding and enticing offers. Recipients are invited to complete a survey, with the promise of receiving a free toolset. However, to claim the reward, they are asked to pay a small shipping fee, during which scammers collect sensitive data, including banking information.
What the emails often say:
• ‘Your experience with Leroy Merlin could win you a Dexter tool set!’
• ‘Share your feedback and claim your free gift!’
• ‘Exclusive chance: Take our survey and get a free toolset!’
Clicking the link takes victims to a fake website, designed to resemble Leroy Merlin’s official page. There, users are asked to provide personal and financial details.
If you receive a suspicious email, do not click any links. Report it to INCIBE, delete it, and if you’ve entered any personal details, contact your bank immediately. For further guidance, call INCIBE’s helpline on 017.
CHRISTMAS is coming and as the festivities draw ever closer, roads are bracing themselves for one of the busiest times of the year… and it’s not only for drivers.
The increase in travel over the festive period, not only increases traffic jams and bottle-necked cities, but also means a rise in driving penalties, which may affect thousands of unlucky or over-zealous drivers.
Spain has its foot in the door for traffic fines and violations. Over 5.6 traffic violations (infracciones) are penalised annually - that’s a substantial amount of money going back to the old tax office!
Eight per cent of these fines lead to
deduction of points due to severity. In just one year, the DGT removes over 1.6 million points from driving licences, averaging 3.7 points per fine.
The most common infraction to result in points being taken from your licence is running a red light.
The second most common reason for having points deducted is putting your foot too hard on the gas and speeding representing 27 per cent and nearly 300,000 penalties annually, plus a solid farewell to two, four, or six points from the licence.
The third most common driving infringement is drink-driving or driving under the influence of drugs at 12 per cent - clocking up over 50,000 fines.
December means a rise in driving penalties, which may affect thousands of unlucky or over-zealous drivers.
surprise measure from the tax office.
Credit: Shutterstock, pabloavanzini
Credit: Shutterstock/Viewvie
Axarquia: tourist hot spot
AXARQUIA is celebrating as the eastern coast registers the best average percentage of hotel occupancy in the province this season. All three areas - Nerja, Torrox and Frigiliana - exceeded 75 per cent occupancy
in November and for December and January, the predictions are for 71 per cent occupancy according to the AEHCOS (Association of Hotel Business Owners of the Costa del Sol) employers’ association.
In comparison, occupancy in the province of Malaga has been 66.21 per cent, which is lower than figures for November in 2023, where 71.48 per cent was recorded.
There has been some decline in general across Malaga in hotel occupancy in comparison with September and October figures, which is unsurprising given the drop in temperature.
This has affected some businesses which have seen themselves obliged to close due to inactivity - more than 25 establishments have closed for the season.
According to statistics, the most visited destination in November was Fuengirola with almost 85 per cent occupancy followed proudly by the eastern coast of Axarquia with more than 75 per cent in Nerja, Torrox and Frigiliana, Benalmadena (63.86 per cent) and Mijas (63.22 per cent).
Back into the wild
A RESCUED bird of prey, found in Velez-Malaga, has been released into the wild. The Endangered Species Recovery Centre (CREA) has said goodbye to a rehabilitated kestrel that was brou ght to the centre in a very debilitated, starving state and had recently flown the nest, but is now fit and strong for the wild again.
Kestrel found in Velez-Malaga rehabilitated and released into the wild.
This is the fourth bird to be released recently, following an eagle owl, a booted hawk and two common kestrels.
The Boticario Endangered Species centre located in the Montes de Malaga Natural Park is heavily invested in returning fauna to its natural habitat and works in collaboration with the Andalucian Government in protecting wildlife and the biodiversity of the region.
The local representative for Sustainability and Environment, José Antonio Víquez has complemented “the professionalism with which the staff who participate in these rehabi -
litation processes care for the native Malaga fauna that enters the CREA, which number 799 specimens so far this year.” He has also praised members of the community who bring in injured birds, supporting Malaga’s precious wildlife. The eagle owl from Fuente de Piedra, the booted hawk found in Mijas and two common kestrels found in Malaga and Velez-Malaga were all discovered by residents or Local Police.
All four birds had been recuperating from fractures, conditions like hypothermia or dehydration but are now fit and enjoying life back in the wild.
Christmas in Frigiliana
EXPERIENCE the magic at Parque de Andalucia. Frigiliana invites residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit this holiday season at the enchanting Parque de Andalucia on December 21, a series of family-friendly activities will bring joy, laughter, and Christmas magic to the picturesque village.
Starting at 5.30pm, the event kicks off with a Santa Claus Party, where children can hand-deliver their Christmas wishes to Santa
himself.
Little ones can revel in the fun of inflatable mattresses, while everyone can enjoy the seasonal treat of delicious roasted chestnuts, adding warmth to the winter evening. At 6.30pm, the festivities reach their peak with a Tribute to Luli Pampín. This vibrant musical performance promises fun and laughter, captivating audiences with its energy and charm. Luli Pampín’s show is perfect for all ages, making it a highlight of the eve-
ning. Gather your family and friends to celebrate an afternoon packed with surprises, festive cheer, and unforgettable moments.
Frigiliana’s Christmas celebration in Parque de Andalucia is a perfect opportunity to create cherished memories and embrace the magic of the season.
The community of Frigiliana awaits you to join in the fun, enjoy the holiday atmosphere, and share in the spirit of Christmas. Don’t miss this festive celebration!
Race with Rincon
GET ready for Rincon de la Victoria’s 12th San Silvestre popular race! Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 29, and join us for a day filled with fun, fitness, and generosity!
This year’s event, featuring the beloved ‘Solidarity Kilometre’, is dedicated to supporting Cáritas Parroquial Nuestra Señora de la Victoria. It will kick off at the Paseo Marítimo (next to the Tourist Office) at 12.00pm.
The Solidarity Kilometre is 500 metresperfect for everyone! If it’s the San Silvestre Popular Race, you’re interested in, get your running shoes on for a five-kilometre challenge. Registration is open at www.dorsalchip. es for just €5 or sign up on the race day for €7 between 10.00am-11.30am.
Combine the joy of running with a good cause! Let’s come together as a community to make a difference. If you’re not into running, come along for the entertainment before the race launch.
Rincon de la Victoria’s mayor, Francisco Salado (PP), has highlighted that the day will centre around recreation, sport, support and family, in which local residents and those from further afield can show solidarity to a charitable cause.
Salado welcomes all citizens “to be part of this event slotted within the Christmas holidays to enjoy with the family in a sporting atmosphere.”
See you there!
Rincon de la Victoria’s 12th San Silvestre popular race kicks off on December 29.
Frigiliana promises a day of unforgettable festive cheer for December 21.
How Santander Insurance quietly used an Irish-based company to get a bumper €100 million payout
By Paul O’Donoghue
SPANISH firm Santander Insurance has received payments of nearly €100 million over the last three years from the Irish-based business it co-owns.
CNP Santander Insurance Life [CNPS] declared €104 million in dividends in 2023, accounts for the company show.
The firm is a Dublin-based business which sells insurance products in 12 European countries, including Spain, Italy and Austria.
The dividend payout was divided among the two CNPS shareholders. Santander Insurance, which owns 49 per cent of the firm, received €51 million.
French insurance business CNP Assurances, which holds the remaining 51 per cent, got €53 million.
The 2023 payday came after CNPS declared a €30 million dividend in 2022 and one worth €60 million at the start of 2024.
The three payments, worth a combined €194 million, mean that Santander Insurance received €95 million over the threeyear period with its 49 per cent shareholding.
CNPS recorded a strong year in 2023 with profits of €64.4 million - a €10 million increase compared to the €54.4 million it recorded in 2022.
The business paid corporate tax in Ireland of slightly over €8 million in 2023, in line with the country’s corporate tax rate of 12.5 per cent.
This compares to 25 per cent in Spain and France, where shareholders Santander and CNP Assurances are based.
The lower corporate tax rate helped CNP Santander Insurance Life build up larger profits over the years, which it is now paying out in the form of annual dividends.
The Irish entity was established by Santander Insurance in 2010 and authorised
by the Central Bank of Ireland in June 2011.
CNPS grew quickly after being established - by 2014 it had annual income of €135 million, which almost doubled the next year.
It was fully owned by Santander Insurance until December 2014, when CNP Assurances acquired its 51 per cent stake.
Asked why Santander Insurance decided to establish the corporate entity in Ireland, despite the fact that it does not sell insurance products in that market, Santander declined to comment.
CNPS has over 100 staff based in Dublin, moving to a new office in the Irish capital last year.
In January, it announced plans to ‘develop digital distribution solutions’ with YOLO Group, a fintech company
The move came after the 2023 accounts for CNPS noted that despite higher profits in 2023, its revenue dropped - from €448 million in 2022 to €392 million in 2023.
A note attached to the accounts said the 13 per cent decrease in sales was due to a ‘change in strategic focus’, as the company looks to place more of emphasis on its non-life insurance products.
Spain was the company’s biggest market in 2023, accounting for €43.4 million in insurance premiums.
Sweden’s ‘soft girls’
SWEDEN is undergoing a change that may just upset the peace of mind of thou sands of feminists across the globe with its new model for women: ‘soft girls’.
Not only does the term suggest the adoption of a more passive role, but is defined as a celebration of women quitting work and living off their husbands or boy friends.
“My life is softer. I am not struggling. I am not very stressed.”
Credit:Instagram:@viilmalarsson
Sweden’s global reputation for championing gender equality continues to glow, yet there is a growing movement of women like Vilma Larsson aged 25, who embraced a trend encouraging her to leave her job and dependend entirely on her male partner. Vilma, who previously worked, is now lavishing life as a stay-at-home girlfriend and claims she has never been happier than now. In a statement, she said:
Vilma Larsson is a self-confessed ‘soft girl’ and embraces the lifestyle
And that’s no surprise given her boyfriend works remotely in finance and she splits her days between the gym, going out for coffee, cooking and travelling… with his money! Living this relaxed lifestyle, Vilma has gained fame across social media with 11,000 followers. The trend is gaining popularity as 14 per cent of seven to 14-year-olds aspired to be soft girls in the future in a recent survey.
Sweden’s feminist party, Feministiskt initiativ described it as being “very dangerous”, and “a step backwards” for gender equality. Others back the right to ignore pressures to be career-driven and return to traditional ‘soft’, feminine roles.
Santander received a bumper payout.
AGE CONCERN - WHERE YOU NEVER NEED FEEL ALONE
AGE CONCERN is a relatively young charity (seven years) built on the realisation that the older English-speaking community were being neglected when it comes to ‘living their best lives’.
Our vision is clear, ‘To help ALL our clients live their best lives’. We take a holistic approach. Key ingredients are care, compassion, companionship, friendship and fun - and we do have fun! Once you have that the practical steps fall into place. Older people sometimes feel that society has labelled them with a ‘sell by’ date. As if their usefulness has simply expired. That is not just sad, it’s painfully short-sighted
Whether you have funds behind you or not, healthy or infirm - as you age certain things will affect us all. Friends and family either move away or pass away. Decreasing mobility means that your world inevitably becomes smaller and the dreaded scourge of loneliness and isolation is ever present.
Loneliness is quite different from wishing to be on your own at times. Loneliness eats away at you. We see individuals who just have no desire to do very much - and that includes eating healthily or worst case scenario maintaining personal hygiene. After all why would you want to make the effort when you don’t see anyone?
Part of ‘living your best life’ is knowing you have a support network in the form of friends and a charity that is willing and able to support you. If this vision resonates, these are some of the practical steps that Age Concern offers.
Weekly coffee mornings that are easily accessible where you can meet up with old friends and make new ones.
Spain’s tourism surge
SPAIN’S tourism industry is certainly looking up … up by nearly two million. In September and October of 2024, 1.58 million more foreign visitors arrived on Spanish territory than in 2023 according to the INE.
There is a sense of ‘family’ at all our get-togethers that so many older people crave. Each one is run by an experienced volunteer who is there to help and ‘break the ice’ for new members
The essential back up from our welfare advice service is available five days a week, providing practical help, support and friendship. At Age Concern we always have the time to listen.
Visiting people at home or in their care home is integral to the ethos of the charity because we firmly believe that nobody should ever feel alone.
Our volunteers are the backbone of Age Concern. They provide a wide range of services including taking clients to their medical appointments and help with shopping. Translators can also assist at the hospital or local doctor’s visits. In fact the list is endless. They all offer their time and talents without charge.
As part of our holistic approach we have a Community Centre offering a wide range of interests from help with IT to chair yoga and much more. We also have lunches and day trips with something for everyone.
Sometimes you may want to discuss a problem face to face - that’s why we put aside every Monday morning for you. Worried about your lack of mobility? Rest assured we have a wide selection of mobility aids for personal loan.
So if you or a loved one needs us or you would like to find out more about helping us to support our older English-speaking community to ‘live their best lives’ please call or WhatsApp our Helpline number on 689 355 198 which is open 40 hours a week daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm.
Month after month, Spain continues to see a robust wave of tourists flocking to the country for holidays or short breaks. So far in 2024, almost 83 million foreign travellers have visited Spain, which is nearly 11 per cent more than last year. This is not only affecting the tourism sector, but also sectors which profit from peaks in the tourist period. In other words, the concept of peak season in Spain seems to be fading out as tourism shows a steady trend throughout the year.
The significant influx of travellers flocking to Spain is not restricted to summer months as
Spain’s airports remain full even after the summer months as September and October see record numbers of tourists.
September and October showed almost 100,000 more travellers arriving between September and October than in July and August.
In October, 8.96 million international tourists arrived in Spain, representing 9.5 per cent more than in 2023. In September, Spain welcomed 9.6 million foreign travellers, which cumulatively means that during these two sum -
mer-autumn months, the volume of visitors grew by 1.58 million people, soaring above the 1.48 million who arrived between July and August.
President of Spain’s Tourist Board, Juan Molas said: “We are opening the seasons.”
According to Tourist Board predictions, 2024 is expected to have seen 95 million international tourists a new record for the country.
AXARQUÍA - MÁLAGA EAST
Yoga and cake!
FEELING the Christmas rush? Take a breather and join us for a soothing Sunday morning yoga session at Casa Arts on December 15. From 11.00am to 12.15pm, this is your chance to stretch, relax, and find a moment of zen amidst the holiday hustle.
Led by an experienced instructor, this session is designed to melt away your stress and leave you refreshed for the festive season. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a first-timer, all levels are welcome.
But that’s not all - after your yoga flow, reward yourself with a cosy coffee and delicious cake on the terrace. Hosted at
the charming Casa Arts in Alcaucin, this event promises not just relaxation, but also a slice of indulgence in a beautiful setting.
Tickets are just €14, including the yoga session, coffee, and cake. A perfect way to treat yourself or bring a friend along for some quality time.
Mark your calendars and head to Casa Arts, 13 Carril de las Alberquillas, 29711, Alcaucin. With Christmas around the corner, this is your ultimate self-care escape.
Don’t miss out - reserve your spot now and get ready to recharge, relax, and relish the season! Oh and don’t forget to ask about the massage options at +44 7934 139067!
Frigiliana festive workshop
GET ready for a personalised Christmas!
Is your Christmas tree ready for the festive season?
Credit:Facebook:@Julieta Aytas
If you want to add a personal and artisanal touch to your decorations, or if you’re looking for the perfect handmade gift idea, this workshop in the idyllic village of Frigiliana is just what you need! Join us for an exclusive Christmas Decorations Workshop on December 13, where we’ll create four unique projects to make your tree truly one-of-akind.
Whether you’re a crafting pro or a beginner, you’ll love this creative experience. And don’t worry about the detailswe provide all the materials, so you can
focus on the fun!
Date: December 13
Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: Workshop ‘Taller en Blanco’, Plaza de las Tres Culturas 32, Ground Floor, Frigiliana Price: Only €14 (all materials included)
Not only will you create beautiful, handmade decorations, but you’ll also enjoy a delicious snack in a cosy, festive atmosphere. Perfect for a holiday gathering with friends, or a fun solo experience! Reserve your spot today!
Email: julieta.aytas@gmail.com
Call or WhatsApp: 653 528 636
Let’s make this Christmas even more special with creativity and craft!
See you there!
Magical Christmas rhythms
THIS December, Torre del Mar invites you to dive into the magic of the season with a spectacular Christmas musical programme, brimming with culture, tradition, and entertainment for all ages.
The festivities kick off on Saturday, December 14, with the vibrant ‘Gasolinera Stars’ concert at the Paseo Marítimo tent. Starting at 5pm, enjoy electrifying music, with the main concert beginning at 8pm, featuring performances by Taino (Chunguitos), Junco, Los Calis, Sombra
y Luz, and a special guest appearance by Los Moles - an unforgettable night filled with rhythm and emotion.
On Sunday, December 15, bring the family for a delightful children’s musical show inspired by ‘Grease’ at 5pm in the Paseo Marítimo tent.
Then, on December 21 at 8pm, don’t miss María Isabel live at Paseo de Larios, where the talented singer will perform her greatest hits in a stunning outdoor concert. Don’t forget to enjoy the vibrant
GREAT news children… and parents!
Nerja has now opened registration for the free Christmas camp!
Nerja’s Christmas camp is back and better than ever! Boys and girls aged three to 16 can join in the fun at San Miguel School from December 23 to January 3. Hosted by the Nerja Town Council’s Department of Equality, this free camp promises exciting holiday activities for all.
Register in person at the Municipal Information Centre for Women (Calle Almirante Ferrandiz, 12, 1st Floor) un-
Christmas Market on December 22 from 8am to 3pm, featuring local produce and festive fun, ready for those last minute Christmas treats! That’s not all! The day continues until 5pm, where the Paseo de Larios will host a show of choirs, dances and dance groups, which will fill the heart of Torre del Mar with tradition, art and joy, showcasing local talent and Christmas spirit. Don’t miss out and fill your Christmas with music and festive fun!
til Thursday, December 19. Don’t miss out!
The camp will take place in the morning, from 8.00am to 3.00pm, and will include workshops, games, recreational-educational, sports and free-time activities, with the aim of promoting values of equality, coexistence, mutual respect, cooperation and teamwork.
For more information, call: 952 548 452 / 664 174 589 or by email: cim@ nerja.es.
See you all there and don’t forget your Christmas smiles!
Johanna Gardener
THE BODY SHOP, a globally recognised ethical beauty retailer, is set to relaunch its operations in the Netherlands following its bankruptcy declaration last month.
At least ve stores will reopen under new ownership, marking a fresh chapter for the body care brand after nancial struggles in several markets.
The Body Shop to relaunch
German entrepreneur Stefan Herzberg, through his company SHG Retail, has acquired control of The Body Shop locations in Batavia Stad, Roermond, Roosendaal, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam’s Kinkerstraat. Herzberg, who successfully revived 21 of The Body
Shop’s German branches earlier this year, is expected to oversee the relaunch.
Reportedly, additional locations may be acquired by SHG Retail in the coming weeks, though no decisions have been nalised yet. Meanwhile, ve franchise-opera-
ted Dutch stores una ected by the bankruptcy proceedings will continue to operate independently.
The Body Shop’s Dutch e-commerce platform, which had been inactive due to ‘planned updates’, will also resume under SHG’s management. Dutch customers will
now be redirected to the brand’s German website.
The Body Shop’s bankruptcy in the Netherlands a ected 27 stores and approximately 100 members of sta . This followed similarnancial challenges in Belgium, where the brand ceased operations entirely in March 2024, and earlier insolvency issues in the UK.
Paris-Orly flights
RYANAIR, Europe’s leading low-cost airline, is set to start operations at Paris-Orly Airport from April 2025, marking a signi cant step in its expansion. For the rst time, travellers will be able to catch Ryanair ights directly from Orly, one of the busiest airports in France, instead of travelling to Beauvais, located about 100 km north of Paris.
Ryanair will initially launch two routes from Orly: Bratislava, Slovakia: A charming city with a mix of history, culture, and vi-
brant street life.
Bergamo, Italy: Perfect for exploring northern Italy, including Milan and the stunning Lombardy region.
Each destination will have two daily return ights, providing more options and convenience for passengers.
This move is a ga-
me-changer for passengers ying with Ryanair:
Convenience: No more long trips to Beauvais - travellers can now enjoy Ryanair’s low fares from a location closer to central Paris.
A ordability: With its competitive pricing, Ryanair’s presence at Orly could shake up the market, o ering even more budget-friendly options.
Better connections: Orly’s strong links to public transport make it easier for travellers to access these new ights.
Flights due to start in April 2025.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
On track
SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY
(SWR), one of the UK’s largest commuter services currently run as a joint venture by First Group and Hong Kong rail operator MTR, will be nationalised in May when its contract ends. The C2C Essex service, next in line, will be publicly owned by July 2025, the Transport ministry said.
Adif plum
INSURANCE company
Generali outbid current provider Zurich to win a €2.4 million contract to supply life insurance and accident cover for 13,000 employees of Adif, Spain’s state-owned railway infrastructure company. The agreement with the Italian company begins in early 2025 and will end in late 2026.
Small wonder
GAMES WORKSHOP is on course for promotion to the FTSE 100 thanks to the popularity of its Warhammer miniatures. Shares in the company, which was created in 1975 and valued at £4.7 billion (€5.7 billion) at close of day on December 2, have shot up 43 per cent this year and by 2,500 per cent since 2014.
Bought back
BANCO SANTANDER completed its €1.52 billion buyback scheme after acquiring 341.7 million shares at €0.50 each and obtaining a 2.21 per cent capital reduction of €170.8 million. Authorised by the European Central Bank and approved by shareholders, the measure will be passed by the board on December 17.
Bonus lost
NICK READ, who took over as chief executive at the Post Office in 2019 will lose a bonus package of £750,000 (€906,127) after deciding to step down following the Horizon accounting scandal. Read was entitled to a 2024 bonus of up to 45 per cent of his basic pay and a further 43 bonus for the coming year.
STAT OF WEEK
€3.9 billion
in joint investments by carmaker Stellantis and China’s electric car battery manufacturer, CATL, in a gigafactory and manufacturing plant in Zaragoza.
Just a business deal
ALARM bells rang in Madrid when Saudi Telecom Company (STC) acquired a 9.9 per cent Telefonica holding in shares and derivatives last year.
STC belongs to Saudi Arabia’s public pension fund and the Spanish government took until November 28 to authorise the €2.1 billion deal, owing to Telefonica’s strategic status.
Telefonica was privatised in 1997 but Spain’s state-owned Industrial Holding Company (Sepi) has now purchased a 10 per cent stake to counteract STC’s presence. Criteria, La Caixa Banking Foundation’s holding company, bought 9.9 per cent.
STC meanwhile maintained that its interest in Telefonica was exclusively financial and the company had no interest in occupying the seat on the board that it was entitled to, given the size of its holding.
Financially, STC’s acquisition has proved worthwhile. In the 15 mon-
NATWEST is on track to return to full private ownership following its £46 billion (€55.5 billion) rescue during the 2008 crisis.
Speaking to the Financial Times on December 3, chief executive Paul Thwaite said it was reasonable to expect that, barring a “big dislocation or economic event” the bank would be in private hands by the first half of 2025.
The UK government’s holding in NatWest, called Royal Bank of Scotland at the time of its bailout, is now under 11 per cent, compared with 38
Doing well
THE Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) expects Spain’s growth to have reached a healthy 3 per cent in 2024.
This is two-10ths of a percentage point higher than previous estimates and almost four times the OECD’s 0.8 per cent prediction for the eurozone. Spain’s momentum is expected to slow in 2025 but at 2.3 per cent, its advance will still be higher than the eurozone’s average of 1.3 per cent, and one-10th above the OECD’s earlier forecast.
ths since the Saudi company embarked on its Telefonica journey, it has obtained a return of more than 15 per cent on the company’s shares which were quoted at €3.75 at the time of purchase.
To this should be added two dividends already received with another due this month. In all, STC has so far had a return of 27.7 per cent on its investment.
Private
Four times better
DANONE reported a €48.4 million profit last year, its highest in three years and quadrupling 2022’s.
Although sales have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels in Spain, last year’s rose to €891.7 million, an increase of 6 per cent on the previous year and the company’s highest since 2012.
They were also 16 per cent up on 2021 before prices began to soar owing to inflation.
Sales improved for practically all Danone products, apart from yoghurt and plant-based milk drinks.
The latter accounted for 10 per cent of Danone’s sales, three percentage points lower than in 2022. In contrast, yoghurt drinks were responsible for 76 per cent of all sales.
Meanwhile Sepi, which paid approximately €4 per share has had an 8.8 per cent return, increasing to 16.3 per cent with the June and December dividends.
Criteria, which paid €3.97 per share for its stake in early April, has enjoyed a return of more than 9 per cent on its investment, rising to approximately 17 per cent with both dividends.
WEALTH management company St James’s Place intends to cut its 3,200 corporate staff by a sixth. This will result in approximately 500 redundancies in offices across the UK, the London-listed company revealed in a leaked internal memo, although the job cuts will not affect its 4,800 financial advisers.
St James’s Place said in July this year that it would save an annual £100 million (€120.8 million) over the next two years, and expected to have made savings that totalled £500 million (€604.2 million) by 2030.
CEMENTOS MOLINS announced on December 3 that it was relocating its corporate headquarters to Catalonia.
per cent in 2023.
Private ownership would enable NatWest to use its capital more strategically after the bank bought back some of the state’s shares earlier this year, Thwaite said, allowing the bank to focus on its wealth management arm, which includes private bank Coutts.
Initially this would be carried out via internal growth, Thwaite said, as he did not rule out future acquisitions.
Asda maths
ASDA has borrowed £155 million (€187 million) to settle impending debts as it allays worries regarding its financial position,
The supermarket chain co-owned by TDR Capital and Mohsin Issa has a current debt pile of £6 billion (€7.2 billion) which in 2023 cost £441 million (€532.5 million) in interest alone.
The latest loan supplements an existing loan due in 2031 and, together with £155 million of cash from Asda’s balance sheet, means it can pay off £310 million (€374.3 million) in 2025 and 2026.
Thanks to this strategy the supermarket, will no longer have obligations due this decade, Asda sources said.
The company, which has a strong international presence, explained in October 2017 that it wished to continue ensuring normal operations by moving to Madrid following Catalonia’s pro-independence referendum and separatist unrest. Molins nevertheless stressed at the time that it remained committed to maintaining its activities inside Catalonia.
The company was one of around 4,500 Catalan businesses that left the region after 2017, including CaixaBank, which moved its headquarters to Valencia.
THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) cleared the way for Shein’s £50 billion (€60.4 billion) debut on London’s Stock Exchange.
The FCA’s chief executive Nikhil Rathi explained that decisions on listings were based on the company’s disclosures. That did not cover every aspect of their corporate behaviour, Rathi told the Financial Times, aware that human rights groups had hoped the UK would, like the US, snub the Chinese fast fashion retailer.
NATWEST: Full private ownership in 2025.
STC: Saudi Arabia’s principal telecoms company.
3I Group 3.713,00 3.742,00 3.713,00 18,92K Admiral Group 2.721,0 2.723,5 2.714,0 3,99K
Airtel Africa 105,90 106,11 105,45 25,48K Anglo American 2.502,5 2.525,5 2.497,5 121,71K Antofagasta 1.754,00 1.774,00 1.747,50 15,94K Ashtead Group 6.402,0 6.448,0 6.396,0 25,44K Associated British Foods 2.249,6 2.258,0 2.240,0 21,92K
10.710,0 10.736,0 10.686,0 48,45K Auto Trader Group Plc 842,80 848,60 840,00 20,66K Aviva 484,50 485,60 481,30 226,22K
B&M European Value Retail SA 361,30 363,60 361,30 34,1K
BURBERRY is suing B&M over trademark breaches which insiders attributed to the discount retailer’s Furberry items for pets which use the luxury brand’s distinctive beige, red, white and black colour scheme. Both companies declined to give further details when contacted by Sky News.
Steel deal
SPANISH steel producer Acerinox, whose Malaysian subsidiary Bahru Stainless ceased activities in May, confirmed its sale to Spain’s Stock Market Commission (CNMV). The plant was sold Worldwide Stainless, the country’s only cold-rolled steel, for $95 million (€90 million).
FORTY-FIVE companies have left the London Stock Exchange (LSE) this year following mergers or acquisitions, Bloomberg figures revealed.
Rio Tinto could be the next to go after activist investor Palliser Capital recommended an independent review of the Anglo-Australian mining giant’s double listing in London and Sydney.
The current arrangement had cost shareholders £39.5 billion (€47.7 billion) and was “an unmitigated failure,” Palliser said, calling for a single Australian-domiciled holding company
Stamp it out
Another option for Talgo
SPAIN’S train manufacturer Talgo has an Indian suitor.
Jupiter Wagons, which also produces trains and is based in Calcutta, is reportedly in talks with private equity firm Trilantic, which owns approximately 30 per cent of Talgo.
The presence of the Indian company, 19.24 per cent-owned by the Czech rolling stock company Tatravagonka, would in-
crease Talgo’s manufacturing capacity.
At the same time, Jupiter Wagons would contribute its services, not capital, as Talgo’s industrial partner and would not make a public purchase offer.
Should Jupiter Wagons’ talks with Trilantic prosper, this would be in line with the wishes of the national and Basque governments which want a major portion of Talgo’s capital to remain inside Spain.
on December 4.
A day earlier, Russian-born British businessman Nikolay Storonsky, chief executive of the online bank Revolut, said that listing in London was “not rational.”
“If you look at trading in the UK, you always pay a stamp duty tax, which is 0.5 per cent,” Storonsky said. “I just don’t understand how the product provided by the UK can compete with the US.”
Stamp duty was also in the sights of Alastair King, Lord Mayor of London and head of the City of London Corporation, during his speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet on December 2.
“It cannot be logically correct that we do not pay tax on purchases of international vehicles like Tesla but are taxed for investing in a British brand like Aston Martin,” he said.
Merger okayed
THE UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved the £15 billion (€18.1 billion) merger between Vodafone and Three, which will create Britain’s largest mobile network with 27 million customers. This now reduces the number of operators from four to three, prompting the CMA’s earlier fears that the merger could lead to higher prices and less choice for customers.
ACS trophy
TURNER CORPORATION, a subsidiary of Spain’s ACS which is chaired by Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, won a $10 billion (€9.5 billion) contract to build a data centre for the Meta conglomerate. The installation in Richland Paris (Louisiana) will handle the enormous amounts of data required to support Meta’s digital infrastructure, including AI processes.
NIKOLAY STORONSKY: Revolut chief executive criticised Stamp Duty.
Photo credit: CC/Web Summit
Be careful out there
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
DON’T try convincing me anything has changed. I still well remember the case of the 16-year-old young hoodlum who became involved in a car chase with a number of police vehicles. Attempting to swerve around a police road block his car struck a young officer who was dragged along before being thrown off and sustaining multiple injuries, including a fractured leg.
The car was finally brought to a halt and the driver arrested. The charges were, stealing a car, failing to stop; possession of cannabis; failing to provide a blood sample; causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance. The officer was off work for five weeks and also suffered a psychological impact that required mental treatment and counselling.
At his trial the judge’s ruling on this young offender was a paltry, non-custodial 12-month rehabilitation order, and a fine of £100! You
really couldn’t make it up. What this basically means is that these waste of time judges are not fit to serve up slop in a prison kitchen, leave alone serve up justice on the bench. The correct way to prevent young thugs like this re-offending is to bang ‘em up in a serious boot camp. Control their every waking and sleeping moment with the strictest regulations and make them never want to be put back inside again.
But it won’t happen, will it? Nowadays, particularly under the new ‘leaders’, these young thugs will probably not even get a prison sentence (no room!) With this utterly incompetent new UK government, the ‘wokes’ and liberal lefties of British society are creating new generations of youngsters with no regard whatsoever for law and order, an utterly self-centred attitude of entitlement and the belief that despite a history of total failure, socialism is the answer to everything. To Starmer’s far left idealists it all makes perfect sense; the more dependent the people are on the state, the more they can be controlled. Their ultimate ambition is akin to communism and the bra-
inwashed young their prime targets. By the time the youngsters realise they have been duped it will all be too late. Thank the Lord my children have been born and raised in Spain, at least they were given an appropriate chance and guidance for a decent future, but be careful out there, the wokes are hovering.
Finally, this week I’m actually feeling lucky enough to even scribe the blurb. On Saturday night I flew back from Gatwick to Mallorca. As usual Leapy’s timing was perfect. Although personally partaking almost 70 years of air travel, both myself and my fellow passengers experienced one of the most terrifying flights ever. At 6pm we took off from Gatwick into a violent storm that had already diverted new aircraft landings to different airports. Somehow, we managed to lift off but a couple of hours later then proceeded to hurtle and wobble violently down into Mallorca in equally terrifying circumstances. Someone was looking down on us all. God bless the pilots who were magnificent. Never again.
Keep the faith. Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com.
opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
AI speed cameras France
IS Big Brother watching your dashboard? France steps up its speed camera game with AI in preparation for 2025.
France is set to give its speed cameras a high-tech makeover, sparking debate among drivers. The country’s 2025 budget proposals include plans to equip hundreds of radars with artificial intelligence (AI), promising to catch more than just lead-footed speedsters.
If the budget passes, AI-powered cameras could roll out in 2025, targeting a range of offences beyond speeding. But what does this mean for drivers?
France’s current speed cameras are no strangers to snapping motorists breaking the law, but AI promises to take things to another level. A report attached to the 2025 budget outlines plans to harness ‘innovative technologies’ to improve road safety. Think of it as a watchful ‘synthetic eye’ on the lookout for more than just speeders. So, what might these supercharged radars catch? Here’s a taster:
Drivers failing to buckle up.
Tailgaters glued to the bumper ahead.
The dreaded mobile phone users texting behind the wheel.
With over 4,000 cameras dotting France, it’s unclear which will get the AI upgrade, but a public tender is already in the works to find tech partners for the project.
INTERVIEW
Bucharest to the
Costa del Sol
Originally from Bucharest, Romania, Radu’s European journey began in the UK, where he lived for 11 years after moving there in 2010 to study business management. In August 2022, he swapped Kent for sunny Manilva on Spain’s Costa del Sol, seeking a better quality of life for his family.
“IT was about starting a family and dissatisfaction with the UK’s lifestyle and ri sing costs,” says Radu. Spain offered proximity to Romania, great weather, and affordable private nursery fees. Also, in Spain, children are very much welcomed, and it’s not unusual to see families in restaurants late in the evening and children playing in the park after dark.
bureaucracy is a nightmare,” Radu admits. “Everything involves pen, paper, and appointments!”
Now working remotely in cybersecurity, Radu enjoys living near the beach and a slower pace of life that allows his wife to stay home with their daughter.
While he appreciates the friendly locals and stunning scenery, adjusting hasn’t been without hurdles. “Spanish
Socially, Radu’s life is enriched by friends from Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, and family from the UK. Learning Spanish remains a work in progress, though he finds the similarities to Romanian helpful in understanding the language.
While Spain feels like home for now, Radu hasn’t ruled out exploring other European countries.
For now, Radu is content, embracing coastal living and the relaxed Spanish lifestyle.
Leapy Lee’s
AI speed cameras to hit French roads in 2025: What you need to know.
Critical Tax Deadlines Are Looming - Don’t Risk Penalties!
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s crunch time for non-resident property owners in Spain! Whether you own a holiday home or a second property, it’s important to start thinking about filing your non-resident taxes before it’s too late. Missing them isn’t just stressful - it can also lead to hefty fines and headaches you don’t need. Why take the risk when IberianTax makes the process quick, easy, and stress-free?
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• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol Christmas
jobs
SOME 17,830 jobs are expected to be generated in Malaga this Christmas, a 14.7 per cent increase on the previous year. The region and its province will account for 20.6 per cent of the total hirings at the regional level. Andalucia has the highest volume of contracting for the Christmas campaign, with 86,360 temp contracts, 13.4 per cent more than the same time in 2023.
In Jaen, the logistics sector is expected to have the largest increase, with 2,286 new contractees, representing a 14.7 per cent increase. This places Malaga as the third province with the largest increase.
The hospitality industry is expected to experience a significant increase in hiring due to the tourism and catering sectors. Companies need to hire waiters with experience and other customer service-orientated profiles. Shops will bolster their staff with shop assistants, promoters, and commercial profiles.
Costa Blanca South Not just for summer
THE Costa Blanca has successfully diversified its tourism offerings during the colder months, expanding beyond its traditional ‘sun and beach’ appeal. This achievement is the result of years of effort to attract visitors with a broader range of options, according to industry leaders.
Evidence of this success can be seen in data from the hotel association Hosbec, which reports that 87.5 per cent of hotel rooms across the Costa Blanca will remain open during the low season, from October 2024 to March 2025.
Interestingly, the most significant slowdown in the hotel sector is expected after the Christmas season, with the highest number of closures occurring in January, following the end of the holiday period. In the rest of the Alicante Province (excluding Benidorm), 90.1 per cent of Hosbec-affiliated hotels will remain operational during the low season, showing a clear commitment to maintaining tourism activity even in quieter months.
Mallorca
In memory of a Princess
PRINCESS BRIGITTA of Sweden, sister to King Carl XVI Gustaf, passed away last week in Santa Ponça, where she had resided since the 1990s.
According to a statement from the Swedish royal court, her remains will be interred in the royal cemetery at Hagaparken, north of Stockholm. In tribute, flags are flying at half-mast at Drottningholm Palace and Haga Palace.
Born on January 19, 1937 at Haga Castle, Princess Brigitta was the second of five children of King Gustaf VI Adolf and Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Alongside her sisters Margaretha (90), Désirée (86), and Christina (81), Brigitta (87) was part of the group affectionately known as the Hagasessorna. Her name, Brigitta, became especially popular among Swedish girls of her generation.
Princess Brigitta, in addition to being a regular face among the European nobility, was a leading figure in the social life of Mallorca.
Costa Blanca North Benitachell’s young heroes
THE children of El Poble Nou de Benitachell have genuinely embraced the spirit of solidarity. For the past three years, the diligent students of CEIP Santa Maria Magdalena have been actively engaged in fundraising efforts through their annual solidarity race, and this year, they chose a significant cause: assisting those impacted by the devastating DANA.
Inspired by having two teachers from Algemesi - a town that suffered extensive damage due to recent flooding - the students decided to establish a twinning initiative with the Algemesi-based Blasco Ibáñez school. They aimed to support the students there, facilitating the repairs needed to restore their school environment.
On Thursday, December 5, the streets of the urban centre of Benitachell transformed into an energetic racing circuit, where the joy of sport, the warmth of family, and the vibrant sounds of music came together to celebrate community spirit.
Almeria
Luxury lands in Mojacar
EXCITING news for Mojacar and the wider Almeria Province: Hyatt Hotels is set to open its first five-star hotel in the area by 2026. This new addition, part of the prestigious Destination by Hyatt brand, will be located in the Macenas Mediterranean Resort, developed in partnership with Cosentino. It’s a move that promises to transform the region’s tourism scene, bringing luxury, jobs, and new opportunities.
This €40-million investment is expected to create 110 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy. For Mojacar, this is more than just a new hotel, it’s a step towards becoming a luxury destination that attracts international visitors, putting the town and the province on the map for high-end tourism. The arrival of Hyatt is just the beginning. The company is eager to explore further opportunities in the Almeria region, seeing the potential for growth and development. Hyatt’s presence will also elevate the area’s tourism sector.
Costa Calida Step up Mazarron
RECENTLY the streets of Mazarron came alive for the sixth annual ‘Marcha por Ellos’ (March for Them), a charity walk supporting APROAMA, the town’s animal protection group. Locals and animal lovers turned out in force, joined by council members Silvia García, López Liderr, and Toñi Sáez, to back this meaningful cause.
APROAMA started in 2018 with a small group of people determined to help abandoned and mistreated animals. What began in a tiny backyard has grown into a bustling refuge, giving countless animals a second chance at life. The team’s dedication and love for animals shine through everything they do.
The ‘March for them’ wasn’t just about raising money, it was a day to come together as a community, celebrate progress, and share a love for animals. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or not, their work shows how even small actions can make a big difference.
TIP ‘Windows to Wellness’
DURING Christmas, keep pets away from toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions. Ensure they have a quiet space to retreat, avoid decorations that could be swallowed, and maintain their routine.
Cat-proof X mas trees
FOR cats, Christmas trees are irresistible. They combine everything a cat loves - height for climbing, dangling ornaments to bat at, and new textures to explore. The tree’s natural or artificial branches mimic the environment of the outdoors, sparking a cat’s instinct to climb and play.
Twinkling lights and shiny baubles only add to the allure, creating a
fascinating, interactive playground. However, this can lead to toppled trees and potential dangers, such as swallowing tinsel or chewing electrical cords.
To keep your cat safe, anchor the tree securely with a heavy base or wall attachment to prevent tipping. Avoid using fragile ornaments on lower branches and secure decorations tightly. Steer clear of tinsel and
ribbons, which can pose choking hazards. Create a cat-friendly alternative by providing climbing towers or toys to divert their attention. Additionally, placing citrus peels or using pet-safe deterrent sprays near the tree can help discourage climbing.
With these measures, you can enjoy a safe and festive holiday season with your feline friend.
Hugo and Mable are cared for by house-sitters
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CHURCH SERVICES
THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@gmail.com
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AWFL Over 60S
Sporting Benahavis 3 v 5 Malaga WFC
THE fact that both teams were languishing at the bottom of the league, gave this encounter extra significance. Malaga’s Bryan Richmond opened the scoring with an excellent goal, but this was soon cancelled out by a trademark screamer from in-form Sporting player, Tony Peters.
This end-to-end game took on the feeling of a
cup tie, with both sides frequently testing the opposition keepers. In the space of a few minutes, Malaga then seemed to have taken control with goals in rapid succession from Antonio Sanchez Garcia and Julian Stevens. However, Sporting fought back and drew level, first from another from Peters and then a third from the penalty spot by skipper Mike Verby, awarded for running offences.
With play swinging from one end to the other, Gary Seymour put Malaga ahead again with a well-taken goal which was added to by Richmond, another running offences penalty, for his second and the visitors’ fifth.
And so the match finished, having been played with mutual respect from both sides, and was well-controlled by Dave Coverdale, who allowed play to fl ow.
Lewis Hamilton’s farewell
IT was the end of an era for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes as the seven-time world champion bid a heartfelt goodbye to his long-time race engineer Pete Bonnington - known affectionately as ‘Bono’. Their emotional farewell unfolded under the lights of Yas Marina Circuit, marking Hamilton’s last race for the Silver Arrows before his high-profile switch to Ferrari.
Hamilton took Bono for a high-octane lap of the track - with the usually composed engineer left sweating buckets, spitting expletives, and gripping the seat like his life depended on it - which, given Hamilton’s flair for the dramatic, it probably did. Fans were on the edge of their seats, torn between roaring with laughter and dabbing at a sneaky tear.
“I don’t know why you hate testing. That is so much fun!” Bono exclaimed through fits of nervous laughter.
“The tyres get hot, there’s no grip, and then you spin. I can see why you need a physio now!”
Fans flooded social media with emotional reactions to the video of the pair’s final lap. One fan summed it up: “Pure magic”. Another described the moment as “iconic”.
While Hamilton’s red Ferrari overalls await him next season, the legacy he leaves behind at Mercedes is undeniable. He will leave a void that will be hard to fill at Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton (Left) and Pete Bonnington (Right), at the Abu Dhabi, UAE November 2022 F1 World Championship.
